One of the most important things to an amputee is to find some sort of physical activity. It lifts their spirits and gives them the feeling that they can accomplish more than just being able to walk. They must find a place where they can have fun. Some have found golf. There are many associations they can join, should they seek a competitive outlet. There are numerous clinics conducted across the United States that are sponsored by the Amputee Associations. These clinics are geared towards the hospital and rehab organizations. The clinic basically introduces and demonstrates the devices that have been invented to accommodate the various amputee situations; such as arms, hands, and legs. Golf pros are invited to donate their time for one morning and give brief lessons to the handicapped attendees. When it’s over, the pros go home, and rarely (if ever), get in touch with the rehab people again. Because of the present war, the amputee population is unfortunately growing.

When working with a handicapped person, there are a lot more considerations involved when making swing corrections than with a non-handicapped golfer. After a swing correction is offered and tried by the player, you must ask how the movement affects balance. When you get that answer, you have two options; 1) continue along the lines of the correction, or 2) take another approach because of the affects on balance.

You can see this man has golf shoes on, but they do not contain his feet. That little square box where the red lines are pointing to on each leg, acts as his foot in the prosthetic device. It’s like trying to play golf on stilts. Wearing prosthetics is similar to walking across a very slippery surface. When you walk on a surface like that you use your muscles in a different way in order to keep from falling. Some muscles are tightened up, some are relaxed, and you walk with great caution. Eventually, the body adapts to the movement and muscles get realigned to work with the prosthetic. Your visional perception also changes. Try turning your head while you are walking on that slippery surface: it gets scary. So when a double amputee moves, his head goes with him.

When I first started working with this individual, his left leg was air actuated. When he swung you could actually see and hear it pull up into the body when he shifted his weight on to the leg. His right leg is computer actuated and does a thousand commands a second. The only drawback is that the computer doesn’t know when he has stopped climbing a hill or riding a bike. So he has to stop and let the computer re-boot or the leg will react as if it is still on the bike or climbing. His left leg has since been changed to be vacuum actuated. The vacuum actuated leg makes it easier for him to get his weight onto his left leg during the downswing.

Without rotors on his legs, an amputee is very limited in making any type of golf swing with a rotary motion. Usually they compensate with lateral movement and an overuse of their arms, which is where we began our lessons. After two lessons, I asked him to see if he could get rotors. In his circumstance, the VA pays for the legs, so money was not a problem. A rotor is a device that allows some pivot motion in one direction or another. The limited movement of the rotor is for balance. Rotors are about the size of a silver dollar, and about ½ inch thick. They are set equally at 15 degrees to the left and right on his left leg. The prosthetics can adjust them for more or less rotation. They are activated by twisting or turning the body. For golf, he pushes his upper body down and activates his hips to turn the rotors. When a rotor is added, the height of the foot on the prosthetic device must be narrowed. The left leg rotates in two directions. The right leg rotates 5 degrees for the backswing, allowing him to open his right hip slightly on the backswing. There is no rotor for the forward swing.

A double amputee must keep his prosthetic feet flat during the entire swing. Those little square boxes around ankle height can not tilt, because if they do, he will fall. There is no such thing as coming up on the rear toe to complete the forward swing. As we progress with downswing movement and better hip rotation, we might be able to add a rotor on the right leg for forward movement in the swing. If that rotor is added we will again address the balance issues that the rotor creates. This gets us back to: the more questions you ask a physically handicapped golfer, the better the golf lesson will be.

This past year I had the opportunity to give lessons to a woman in her early 50′s that has a prosthetic leg.  We worked first on balance issues, then on a short swing that could repeat without any physical problems. She is now enjoying the game. I also teach a young boy who has autism, every week now since June. He has taught me more than I could ever teach him!

PARALYZED PEOPLE CAN PLAY GOLF!

At one time, Anthony Netto was a professional golfer in South Africa with all the physical ability in the world.  In 1994, that reality changed drastically with an automobile accident that left Anthony paralyzed from the waist down.  He spent many months after the accident involved in grueling rehabilitation.  Determined not to give up on life and not content with confinement in a sitting position, Anthony began working with a team of engineers to design and develop a vehicle that would enable and help him to stand and play golf again.

Anthony founded the Stand Up And Play Foundation, which aims to ensure that every state in the USA has at least five such vehicles, or ParaMobiles, available as therapeutic tools and to allow persons who are wheelchair-bound to enjoy the chance to stand up and play.  A training workshop has been developed for medical professionals, golf coaches, and rehabilitation centers that enables them to work together and provide a service to those in need.

During my experiences with the Special Olympics golf team the biggest lesson learned has been PATIENCE!!!

Many of the golfers have mental, as well as physical disabilities, so constant repetition is a key to their success and sometimes testing our patience. The practice sessions I use for Special Olympics’ golfers, closely mimic what they will face in their regional & state competitions, thus providing a level of comfort and confidence to them.

In the case of many of the Special Olympic golfers I have trained, the golf swing has been secondary to the fact that I am giving them a chance to have a new experience. I would assume that if a once physically abled golfer becomes disabled, we would be providing the chance to enjoy their “freedom” again.

Perhaps the greatest experience in working with mentally challenged golfers can be the simple joy to their reactions……..sinking a 5 foot putt, hitting a straight shot or just hitting the ball can be the cause for great jubilation!

I strongly recommend to all my fellow teachers – Volunteer some time to the Special Olympics’ program in your area. The things learned with this group will make you a better teacher and your reward will be long lasting!

As golf teaching professionals, each of us have our own reasons for teaching this great game. Amongst a sundry of reasons, a common thread of love and respect for the game exists. And knowing how much fun the game can be when it is played well, instructors take on the challenges of teaching the game to students (beginners, high and low handicappers), so they too can witness the enjoyment of the game and increase the fun by playing better.

Reflect on that student/teacher relationship for a moment. Often taken for granted in that relationship is the ongoing communication that takes place between instructor and student. Oral communication, seeded with some written communication, likely takes place, utilizing one of the five human senses (hearing).  But what if your student is deaf? The challenge still exists to teach the game to the beginner, and/or high/low handicapper, but he/she is deaf. They have all their physical capabilities, yet only are disabled in not being able to hear. Should we, as instructors of golf, stir away from those that love and respect the game of golf and desire to learn more about it simply because they are deaf?  Knowing the grit and resolve of many teaching professionals, the answer is no.

To give teaching professionals the courage to take on the challenges of teaching to the deaf, first “reflect” on what communications go on in a typical “hearing” student lesson. Hopefully, not lots of talking, yet lots of showing (use of body language), and using well-placed oral comments that supplement the showing. Showing and visuals (sometimes supplemented by camera filming) take place in the lesson. If the instructor can find a way to provide the well-placed oral comments (sent and received) to the deaf student, the lesson would be the same as given to a hearing student. Here are a few suggestions on “how” to go about that.

1. K.I.S.  Keep it simply; remember when we were toddlers and first learning to talk. Some key first basic words, phrases were learned. Using that approach, one does not have to take on the task of learning ASL (American Sign language) in total, as one would learn another language. Consider learning some basic ASL signs that would commonly replace common words/phrases used in lessons. Some useful sources for learning key words and phrases are:

a. on line browser: http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/aslweb/browser.htm
b. a great book “American Sign Language The Easy Way by David & Elizabeth Stewart
c. take a course in ASL from your nearby Community College, where not only will you learn the language but the culture of the deaf.
2. Keep a large writing pad near by, or an e-racing slate, to write key words/phrases when needed.
3. Provide written re-caps of what each lesson provided.
4. For those that use video, provide copies of what was filmed.
5. If you advertise your lessons, identify your market as both giving lessons to hearing and hearing-impaired. Change your business cards to reflect that.
6. Seek out “deaf” organizations in your community to volunteer providing lessons to their members.
7. Work with your local golf courses to help set up tournaments focused for on the hearing impaired.
8. Visit www.usadeafgolf.org

As USGTF instructors, we are confronted by many challenges as we teach the game of golf.  Our rewards come in many ways, but one of the most gratifying rewards is to watch your student, play the game, enjoy the lovely outdoor scenery that most golf courses provide, and partake in the camaraderie that accompanies the game of golf — even when a disability exists!

As a golf course manager you are always expected to look for ways to increase your bottom line and explore opportunities to promote your facility. My question to you is this, “Have you looked at all types of golfers to reach this goal?”

I would like to introduce to you a larger growing group of golfers that has visited your facility at least once a week for years. This foursome is made up from one family and includes a grandfather, father, son and daughter. Over time you may have noticed the foursome went to three, then two, and then one. One day you asked the daughter what happen to your grandfather, father and brother. The daughter informed you that her grandfather had a stroke and could not walk that well. Her father had been in an accident and hurt his knee. As for her brother, while on active duty serving our country, he lost his leg. Like most people your heart would ache for this family. The daughter asked if there was anything you could do to bring them back together on the golf course.

Here is my challenge. Look at your facility and see what services you have to offer to provide a golfer with a disability the opportunity to enjoy a day of golf. Talk to your customers that may need some assistance to see what they would like to have available. Then figure out how your facility could improve, from the parking lot to the eighteenth hole. Most of the things that an individual with a disability would need you already provide based on zoning laws and the ADA (American with Disability Act). Some suggestions may have an expense that you will have to budget for, but most will have little or no cost to you. In all cases the rewards will be priceless.

In the scenario that I described, all of these individuals have a walking and standing disability. I truly believe that everyone would love to help this family return to the game and by doing so your facility would increase its revenue. The best thing you could do is to create a relationship with your disabled golfers and see what they need. Encourage them to just visit the club house. With some time they may start using the practice facility. One day they may transition to the course.

As golf club managers you have the ability to make the difference. You may let them use the golf cart around the practice areas for little or no charge. When it comes to the course you may offer a flag on the cart to designate the golfer so they would be allowed to leave the path. In most cases this is all that is needed to provide access and keep pace of play. Allowing the disabled golfer to get closer to the tee box or greens will not hurt the grass. Educate the golfer about ways to access the course and conditions. In most cases they will take care of the course better than your regular users.

Here are a few suggestions that you can offer at your facility: Have your instructors offer golf clinics for disabled and/or senior golfers. Team up with therapists from local rehabilitation centers or local disabled organizations. This type of networking provides great resources, as well as great marketing opportunities. There are also great organizations that can offer you assistance in finding information about a related disability. Just go online, type in the disability and the word golf and you will find some great information. You can also contact us at the United States Golf Managers Association office and we will get you in contact with individuals that can help.

About two years ago, I became acquainted with a little girl and her grandfather. They had been on the driving range many times and I was aware that the little girl had a handicap. The grandfather was so dedicated and the little girl so determined, that I stopped to see if I could be of any help. Amber had no use of her right hand and arm, and even though she was swinging with her left hand and arm, she was still using a right-handed person’s stance.

We tried a few things, and it soon became apparent that she had pretty good control using her left hand and arm, but using the left-handed person’s stance. Right then, I decided that I wanted to work with this little girl even more. After a couple of weeks, I got her a new set of golf clubs that I had specially made and tailored for her capabilities. I gave her lessons every Monday afternoon for several months and the results and progress were amazing.

Her grandfather and I took her out on the course one day to play a few holes and we couldn’t believe what we were witnessing. While she could only hit the ball 15 to 20 yards or so, she was right in the fairway every time. She was sinking putts that even I had trouble with. What a transformation!

I learned that Amber was involved in Special Olympics Gymnastics. Being a curious person by nature, I decided to inquire around and see if there were any Special Olympics for golf. After several phone calls to various areas, I finally was put in touch with a local chapter in Ventura County, California and called to see how I might get Amber qualified to play in some tournaments in the area or if they even had anything organized.

I was told that there were a number of people with various handicaps who would like to learn to play golf but there just wasn’t anyone who could teach them. I told them what I had been doing with Amber and let them know that I would certainly be interested in working with them to start a golf program locally.

Since they did not have a formal program organized, I spoke with my General Manager, who was very supportive of the idea and offered to give us the use of the driving range, golf carts when we went out to play a few holes, free golf balls, etc. We have a group of 12 athletes who range in age from 11 to 28. We have a tremendous amount of fun and all of this has been observed by others who have generously come forward and volunteered to assist with these fine young athletes. The volunteers are not only former and present students of mine, but golfers who have observed and heard of what we have been doing and wanted to get involved. I am especially proud of the teenagers who have been my students and are on the high school golf team – they have volunteered to give something back to the community and really look forward to coming out on Thursday evenings to help with our Special Olympics Team.

My ultimate goal is to have my Special Olympic Golfers practice at UCLA one day, where a big Special Olympics Event takes place every June.

I cannot begin to tell you what a rewarding experience this has been for me, when I look at the progress that each of the athletes has been able to achieve and I see that look of accomplishment and satisfaction on their faces, along with the joy their parents have voiced. It really makes me feel very fortunate to be a part of this. Maybe in a very small way, I really am making a difference.

Many thanks to the USGTF. Without the excellent training I received, I would not have had the confidence to undertake this task.

If you have any questions and would like to start a program like this in your area, please send me an email or fax so I can get in touch with you. It can be frustrating at times, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. My fax number is 818-885-6044, or you can e-mail me at CandLinLA@aol.com.

USGTF Level III Member, Newark, Ohio

The game we call golf is, as we know, challenging and very humbling.  But, what does it become if we take away the ability to see the course layout, the greens, and even the golf ball?  This is blind golf.

What is blind golf like?  This is not a lesson on how to teach the visually-impaired, but this article contains some insights and experiences which have helped a blind golfer become competitive on the USBGA (United States Blind Golfers Association) tour.

In 2004 I was offered the challenge of coaching a blind golfer.  The gentleman is totally blind with no light perception.  The time spent with him has been the most worthwhile and best experiences to date in my golfing and teaching career.

The most difficult part of blind golf is, absolutely and unequivocally, balance.  The sighted golfer balances himself based upon the horizon surrounding him.  The blind golfer with no light perception places his balancing hopes on the feeling in his feet and the sensation of vertically of the body. Any type of jerky motion during the golf swing drastically minimizes the probability of maintaining balance throughout the duration of the swing.

Comments and references to swinging smooth have worked tremendously with my golfer’s balance.  Of course, the thinking process varies from person to person.  In addition, the blind golfer has a tendency to attempt to keep balance by not moving their feet.  Weight transfer and finish are still of importance.  One suggestion we have used is to imagine shaking hands with a person directly on his left as he finishes the swing.   This has improved his body rotation throughout the swing, with a better balanced finish with weight transfer to the left foot.

Of course, balance is easier on level ground.  We have a very good par-3 hole at our home course that has mounds surrounding the green.  Here, we are able to practice every conceivable lie with various wedge shots to the green.  The practice sessions combine maintaining balance and ball position with different lies, slopes and short game mechanics.

Good scoring is dependent on a solid short game, and we work towards this goal based on the use of the sand wedge.  Lob wedge or gap wedge shot lengths are based on adjusted sand wedge distances.  We also us a five-yard spread as distance references, 5 to 10, 10 to 15, etc.

The blind golfer usually feels apprehension as he swings, hoping upon hope that he will make contact with the ball.  Consequently, there is a tendency to rush the swing.  We have made progress in this area by shortening his backswing, which helps eliminate any change in his spine angle.  Use of the well-known “weighted club” has been an asset towards smoothness and rhythm.  As with sighted golfers, we need to let the swing happen, and not make it happen.

Since we are the eyes of the blind golfer, we must be aware of his alignment and clubface position.  My golfer lays his club across his thighs on setup, which gives me a good perception of initial alignment.  We then fine tune the stance, based on foot position.  If too much time is spent on aligning, it will become a negative and we will back off and start anew.  The process must be simple and concise.

For the visually-impaired golfer, putting is all feel.  The one advantage the blind golfer has is that, to him, all putts are straight putts.   Any breaks and alignment are the responsibility of the coach or guide.  We must insure that the golfer’s putting stroke is straight back and straight through.  Various exercises are used to hone mechanics.  On most putts, my golfer likes to step off the distance from the hole to the ball.   He is able to feel contour changes in the green through his feet.  This is a confidence builder and helps him to visualize the putt.

Using the push drill and right-hand-only putting practice, my golfer has become a very good putter.  After I select the line for his putt, I set his clubface where I want it and he then steps to the club while I hold it to keep it from moving.   We have found that this works best in our situation.

Almost any drill used in teaching a sighted golfer can be used with the visually impaired.    However, manual positioning of club or body must be incorporated by the teacher.  Verbal descriptions must be easily understood by the golfer in hopes that they can feel the process or point we are addressing.  There are two very informative articles on the blind golf website, www.blindgolf.com, “Swing Without Seeing” and “Basic Blind Golf Techniques.”  Both articles were written by Bob Andrews, himself a blind golfer.

Think of your sensations as you are playing golf, and then try to imagine what it would be like without your sight.  To a blind golfer, the input and feedback from the coach to the golfer and the golfer to the coach is most important. You are a team.  If you are ever offered the opportunity to coach the handicapped or know someone who is, get involved.  The rewards are more than one could ask for.

We USGTF teaching Professionals know golf is a marvelous, challenging game filled with many experiences. Those experiences can be good, not so good, and every once in a while, heartwarming (fuel for the human soul).

A heartwarming experience might be watching a man, paralyzed from the waist down in a wheelchair, tee off on the first hole and send it down the middle of the fairway. (Do you remember that thrill when that was first achieved?) I personally watched that occur while on the practice putting green waiting to tee off, and was filled with so much joy and happiness for him, the same joy and happiness we as golf instructors feel when one of our students executes flawlessly on a golf technique/tip provided in a lesson, on or off the course.

That courageous man got me to thinking about those who have the will and heart to want to learn and play the game, but cannot do so through “normal” means. Take for instance, a deaf person. Yes, officially they have a handicap, but if you have ever met a deaf person, their “can do” attitude is infectious. Kevin Hall, on the professional tour, is a living testimonial that a deaf person “can do.” Other touring professionals, such as Stuart Appleby and Robert Garrigus, who are hearing, are supporting this “can do” attitude, by recently providing golf instruction at a golf deaf camp in Ohio.

As a USGTF teaching professional, I have a passion to teach a game that I love. To be able to reach others who really want to learn and play this wonderful game, but cannot, offered me a challenge and a goal to direct my efforts to. American Sign Language (ASL) is a formal language and is used by the deaf. I focused my efforts on going back to a nearby community college, where I began the study of ASL.

To be honest, another passion has developed for the language and the “deaf” culture. Add that to my passion for teaching golf and a win-win situation with synergy is in “full swing.” Challenges seem common in this great game of golf and certainly hold true for teaching it. But, to explore new turf, meet interesting new people, and expand on new and innovative teaching techniques seem all-encompassing in teaching golf to the deaf, while wearing a USGTF cap.

In today’s world, it is not uncommon to come in contact with a deaf person, either somewhere in the family structure or in business/social life. Maybe you have an experience about golf and the deaf, either through playing or teaching, that you would like to share with the USGTF for a future newsletter or magazine article. Perhaps this article has stimulated an interest of how to go about expanding your teaching techniques to deaf students. You are most welcome to send me an e-mail to golfingjack@msn.com.